With these instructions, Countess Przebendowska started for Warsaw, where she was to choose. Flemming's cousin was a great friend of Countess Bielinska, whose two married daughters, the Countesses Denhoff and Pociej, both pretty, quiet and merry, could be placed on the list of candidates.
The first day after her arrival, Przebendowska paid a visit to her friend, who gave her a cordial welcome. She knew Przebendowska's influence over Flemming, and his power over the King.
"My dear," said Przebendowska, "I come to you with many troubles, and I hope you will help me."
"I will share them with you willingly," rejoined Bielinska.
"We are having great trouble with the King," continued Przebendowska. "He is in love with a woman who for several years has made him do whatever she pleases."
"I know Cosel!" interrupted Bielinska. "But why did not the King hold to Teschen?"
"He is never faithful to any one for long. We must get rid of Cosel, and find him some one else. The King is wearied."
Bielinska became thoughtful.
"It is easy enough to find some one else, but we must be careful not to put new fetters on him."
Countess Przebendowska stayed to dinner with her friend, whose two daughters were also dining with her. Both of these ladies were young, elegant in movement, and pretty. Countess Pociej was small and neat; she appeared frail, but her eyes lit up with fire, laughter was for ever bursting from her lips. Countess Denhoff was not tall either; she was gracious, and played the part of a melancholy person, although naturally she was flighty, and burned with a desire for gaiety. Her eyes sparkled with wit and malice, which she veiled under an exaggerated modesty.